Balsamic Roasted Fennel with Cashews

Recipe: Balsamic roasted fennel with cashew nuts

How many of you ignore the funny looking fennel bulbs at the markets because you’re not too sure what to do with them? I did once upon a time. Most of the time you will find fennel bulbs, also known as Florence fennel, served raw in salads. It has a licorice, aniseed like flavour, sweet aroma and lots of crunch. The green fronds are often used in dressings, marinades or in salads as well.

Another great way of using fennel is to roast it. Using Balsamic and olive oil adds beautiful caramelisation to the roasted fennel and the acidity of the vinegar compliments the sweetness of the vegetable. Roasted cashews is a new addition I tried the other day and it worked really well but feel free to go without. I usually make this as a side with a roast or grilled meat or fish.

Ingredients

2 Fennel bulbs

1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar

3 tbsp olive oil

2/3 tsp sea salt

black pepper

1/2 cup roasted crushed cashew nuts

Instructions

Heat oven to 190C.

To prepare fennel, cut off the stalks and fronds. Using a peeler, slice off a thing outer layer and cut 1cm from the base. Slice into thick chunks. Toss fennel with Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper and spread in a large roasting tray or dish. Pick a tray with large surface so you have most of the fennel in one layer.

I usually place the baking tray on the floor of the oven so you get a lot of heat to caramelise the sauce. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning over a few times to prevent burning.

Toast/roast cashew nuts in the oven or in a frying pan until golden brown and fragrant. Process into crumbly texture using a food processor or using the old-school ‘smash the bag’ method where you place the nuts in a plastic bag and smash them using a wooden rolling pin.

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First time here? My name is Irena and this is my treasure chest of real food, paleo recipes and stories. I want to inspire people to eat and cook with more whole foods and natural ingredients. My content and recipes are for anyone and everyone. Read more about me >>

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Welcome to Eat Drink Paleo

First time here? My name is Irena and this website is my treasure chest of real food and paleo recipes, and stories. My goal is to inspire people to eat and cook with more whole foods and natural ingredients. My own diet is influenced by the paleo and primal principles but my content and recipes are for anyone and everyone. Read more about me >>